"I'm about to go on sub," I used to say to friends. "What's that?" said my friends. "It means my agent is submitting my manuscript to editors." "Oh!" "Or you could say, my manuscript is on submission to editors." "Ah!" Pause. "So good luck! How long does … [Read more...] about 5 Questions to Ask Your Author Friend on Sub
literary agent
On Querying Agents: I’ll Tell You What’s Frustrating
This is dedicated to all my writer pals currently in the querying trenches. I may feel a long ways away from a long querying journey, but I still remember the struggles, and I won't ever forget what it's like dead center of that marathon run to find an agent. (I've found … [Read more...] about On Querying Agents: I’ll Tell You What’s Frustrating
On Querying Agents: What’s a Personalized Rejection?
How do you know that a rejection is a sign to keep going? The personalized rejection can give you some hope. With 113 rejections in this last round of querying, I've developed some theories about what constitutes an authentic and individualized response versus a template … [Read more...] about On Querying Agents: What’s a Personalized Rejection?
Houston, We Have an Agent!
I'm so excited to announce that I am now represented by Tara Gelsomino of One Track Literary Agency! What a journey! Sigh of Relief + Dance of Joy doesn't capture the many feelings of landing here after a #neverthelessshepersisted trek in the trenches...and for, yes, the third … [Read more...] about Houston, We Have an Agent!
Don’t Despair When Your Agent Leaves the Business
When your agent leaves the business, what do you do? In June I wrote my friend and YA author Gordon Jack when I was in the bluest, most Anne Shirley depths of despair. “My agent is leaving the business,” I said, feeling as if I were delivering the worst and most shameful of … [Read more...] about Don’t Despair When Your Agent Leaves the Business
What Makes a Great Agent
Literary agents get a lot done that a writer just can't. If you're debating whether to work with one, hearing how I couldn't do this without Amy Tipton of Signature Literary Agency might help you decide. Agents can be editors, advocates, negotiators, deal makers, and … [Read more...] about What Makes a Great Agent